Arrangement of containers in a carton
A package comprising a carton and an arrangement of containers. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise at least a first panel and a second panel disposed opposite to one another. The arrangement can comprise a number of rows of containers disposed at least partially in the interior of the carton. The arrangement can include at least a first row and a second row extending along the respective first and second panels. A load width of the arrangement can be less than the number of rows multiplied by a first difference between the diameter of the containers approximately an eighth of an inch, and the load width can be greater than the number of rows multiplied by a second difference between the diameter and approximately a half of an inch.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/148,189, filed May 6, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/179,446, filed May 7, 2015. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/718,361, filed May 21, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/997,147, filed May 22, 2014. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/718,361 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/286,343, filed May 23, 2014, which claims the benefit of 61/855,819, filed on May 24, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/956,388, filed Jun. 7, 2013. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/097,618, filed Apr. 13, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/286,343, filed May 23, 2014, which claims the benefit of 61/855,819, filed on May 24, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/956,388, filed Jun. 7, 2013.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCEThe disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/148,189, which was filed May 6, 2016, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/097,618, which was filed Apr. 13, 2016, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/718,361, which was filed May 21, 2015, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/286,343, which was filed May 23, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/179,446, which was filed May 7, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/997,147, which was filed May 22, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/956,388, which was filed Jun. 7, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/855,819, which was filed on May 24, 2013, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure generally relates to arrangements of containers contained in cartons, trays, and/or other constructs. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to nested arrangements of containers.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREIn general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a package comprising a carton and an arrangement of containers. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise at least a first panel and a second panel disposed opposite to one another. The arrangement can comprise a number of rows of containers disposed at least partially in the interior of the carton. The number of rows in the arrangement can comprise a plurality of rows comprising at least a first row extending along the first panel and a second row extending along the second panel. Each container in the arrangement can comprise a diameter. The arrangement can comprise a load width extending from an outermost edge of the first row to an outermost edge of the second row, the load width can be less than the number of rows multiplied by a first difference determined by subtracting approximately an eighth of an inch from the diameter of the containers in the arrangement, and the load width can be greater than the number of rows multiplied by a second difference determined by subtracting approximately a half of an inch from the diameter of the containers in the arrangement.
In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method comprising obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise at least a first panel and a second panel disposed opposite to one another. The method further can comprise obtaining a plurality of containers, each container in the plurality of containers comprising a diameter. The method also can comprise forming an arrangement by positioning the containers into a number of rows, the number of rows in the arrangement comprising a plurality of rows. The positioning the containers into the number of rows can comprise forming at least a first row and a second row. The forming the arrangement can comprise forming a load width of the arrangement, wherein the load width can extend from an outermost edge of the first row to an outermost edge of the second row. The load width can be less than the number of rows multiplied by a first difference determined by subtracting approximately an eighth of an inch from the diameter of the containers in the arrangement, and the load width can be greater than the number of rows multiplied by a second difference determined by subtracting approximately a half of an inch from the diameter of the containers in the arrangement. Additionally, the method can comprise loading the arrangement at least partially into the interior of the carton so that the first row extends along the first panel and the second row extends along the second panel.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.
According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.
Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTSThe present disclosure generally relates to arrangements of articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. that can be contained in cartons. The articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articles can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and/or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or any combination thereof.
Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., glass beverage bottles or aluminum cans) as disposed in certain nested arrangements that can be disposed within carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,” “outer,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons.
As shown for example in
In the illustrated embodiment, the external nested arrangement 100′ of
As shown in
Alternatively, as shown by way of example in
In another alternative, the containers C can be disposed in the arrangement 100 so that the containers C in each row R1, R2, R3 are less tightly nested with the containers C in the respectfully adjacent rows as shown by way of example in
The containers C are nested in the arrangement 100′ in a similar manner in
In the illustrated embodiment, the widths X1, X2, X3 are less than 3 times the diameter DC of the containers for the arrangements 100, 100′ having three rows R1, R2, R3. More generally, an arrangement having a number of rows R (e.g., R equals 3 in
R*DC>X (1)
In a particular embodiment, the load width X of the arrangement in inches can be less than the difference found by subtracting a subtrahend of an eighth of an inch from the diameter DC in inches and then multiplying that difference by the number of rows R as shown in the expression:
In a further particular embodiment, the load width X in inches could also be greater than the difference resulting from subtracting a subtrahend of a half of an inch from the diameter DC in inches and then multiplying the difference by the number of rows R as shown by the expression:
The arrangements 100, 100′ could have other load widths without departing from the disclosure. For example, the first subtrahend of an eighth of an inch in expressions 2 and 3 and the second subtrahend of a half an inch in expression three could be any suitable number.
In an exemplary embodiment, the containers in the arrangement 100 or 100′ could be cans C having a diameter DC of approximately 2.6 inches. Accordingly, the load width X of the arrangements 100, 100′ could be less than approximately 7.4 inches and could be more than approximately 6.3 inches according to expression 3 in the exemplary embodiment. In another example, twenty three of the same cans C could be disposed in a 5×4×5×4×5 nested arrangement wherein the load width X of the arrangement can be less than approximately 12.4 inches and can be more than approximately 10.5 inches according to expression 3. In another example, the containers in the arrangement 100 or 100′ could be bottles B having a diameter DB of approximately 2.4 inches. Accordingly, the load width X of the arrangement 100, 100′ could be less than approximately 6.8 inches and could be more than approximately 5.7 inches according to expression 3. Other examples are within the scope of the disclosure.
In the illustrated embodiment, the containers C in the arrangement 100 can be disposed in the interior 128 of a carton 110 as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of the containers C held in the carton 110 forms a package 140 (
In one embodiment, the rows R1, R2, R3 of the arrangement 100 could be considered to include a first row extending along a first panel (e.g., outer row R1 adjacent the panel 118), a second row extending along a second panel (e.g., the outer row R3 adjacent the panel 114), and a third row nested with the first and second rows (e.g., the inner row R2 nested with the outer rows R1, R3). The outer row R1 can have at least one more container C than the inner row R2, and the inner row R2 can be spaced from the panel 118 by at least the outer row R1. Additionally, the outer row R3 can have at least one more container C than the inner row R2, the outer row R3 can be spaced from the outer row R1 by at least the inner row R2, and the inner row R2 can be spaced from the panel 114 by at least the outer row R3. In one embodiment, the rows R1′, R2′, R3′ of the arrangement 100′ can be similarly or identically arranged.
Since, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner row R2 has one fewer container C than the outer rows R1, R3 in the arrangement 100, the containers C at the ends of the inner row R2 are spaced apart from the closed ends 130, 132 of the carton 110. In one embodiment, the containers C at the ends of the outer rows R1, R3 can be disposed against or adjacent to the closed ends 130, 132. With respect to the arrangement 100′, the containers C at the ends of the outer rows R1′, R3′ can be spaced from the closed ends 130, 132 in the carton 110 since the outer rows have one fewer container C than the inner row R2′. The containers C at the ends of the inner row R2′ can be disposed in engagement with or adjacent to the closed ends 130, 132 in one embodiment. Any or all of the rows R1, R2, R3 or the rows R1′, R2′, R3′ could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or positioned without departing from the disclosure.
In one embodiment, the arrangements 100, 100′ and/or other suitable nested arrangements of containers (e.g., having a load width X according to expression 3) can provide a more compact packaging configuration than non-nested arrangements. For example, a carton accommodating a non-nested arrangement having R rows would have an inner width of R times the diameter DC of the containers in the arrangement, while the nested arrangements according the present disclosure can be accommodated in a carton having an inner loading width that is similar or identical to the load width X according to the expression 3. In addition, the nesting of the containers C in the arrangements 100, 100′ can help retain the containers C in position in the interior of the carton, while containers in non-nested arrangements could be more likely to move relative one another (e.g., due to loose packaging in the container) in one embodiment. A further advantage of the nested arrangements can include the interior space provided at the ends of a carton (e.g., the closed ends 130, 132 of the carton 110) by the shorter rows of the nested arrangement (e.g., the inner row R2 or the outer rows R1′, R3′ of the arrangements 100, 100′). Such interior space can provide clearance for grasping a handle (not shown) or actuating a dispenser (not shown) in the carton. Other advantages are within the scope of the disclosure.
As shown in
As shown in
Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, it is noted that the nesting arrangements of the various embodiments can be incorporated into a carton having any carton style or panel configuration. The carton styles and panel configurations described above are included by way of example, and the cartons in the illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments can be sized and shaped accordingly to accommodate the arrangement of the containers B or C.
The blanks according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.
As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.
The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.
The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A method comprising:
- obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising at least a first panel and a second panel disposed opposite to one another;
- obtaining a plurality of containers, each container in the plurality of containers comprising a diameter and a center, the diameter of each container is between 1 and 4 inches;
- forming an arrangement by positioning the containers into a number of rows, the number of rows in the arrangement comprising a plurality of rows, the positioning the containers into the number of rows comprising forming at least a first row and a second row, the forming the arrangement comprising forming a load width of the arrangement, wherein the load width extends from an outermost edge of the first row to an outermost edge of the second row, the load width being less than the number of rows multiplied by a first difference determined by subtracting about an eighth of an inch from the diameter of the containers in the arrangement, and the load width being greater than the number of rows multiplied by a second difference determined by subtracting about a half of an inch from the diameter of the containers in the arrangement, wherein the center of each container is spaced apart from the center of at least one adjacent container by a distance that is greater than the diameter of the containers; and
- loading the arrangement at least partially into the interior of the carton after the forming the arrangement so that the first row extends along the first panel and the second row extends along the second panel.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the carton comprises an inner width extending from the first panel to the second panel, and the inner width is approximately equal to the load width of the arrangement.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the positioning the containers into the number of rows further comprises forming a third row, the third row being spaced apart from the first panel and the second panel by at least the first row and the second row after the loading the arrangement.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the forming the arrangement further comprises nesting the third row with the first row and the second row, and wherein the number of rows is three so that the load width is less than three multiplied by the first difference and is greater than three multiplied by the second difference.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning the containers into the number of rows further comprises forming a third row that is at least partially nested with at least one of the first row and the second row.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning the containers into the number of rows further comprises forming a third row, and at least one of the first row and the second row comprises one more container than the third row.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the forming the arrangement further comprises nesting the third row at least partially with at least one of the first row and the second row.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning the containers into the number of rows further comprises forming a third row and a fourth row, the forming the arrangement further comprises nesting the third row at least partially with at least the first row and nesting the fourth row at least partially with the second row.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning the containers comprises positioning at least one container of each row of the plurality of rows in contact with at least one container in each respectively adjacent row of the plurality of rows.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the loading the arrangement comprises inserting the arrangement through one open end of the carton.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 21, 2017
Date of Patent: Aug 20, 2019
Patent Publication Number: 20170225858
Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Inventors: Aaron Lee Bates (Kennesaw, GA), Raymond R. Spivey, Sr. (Mableton, GA)
Primary Examiner: Alexander M Valvis
Assistant Examiner: Lucas E. A. Palmer
Application Number: 15/493,747
International Classification: B65D 71/36 (20060101); B65B 21/02 (20060101); B65B 5/02 (20060101); B65B 5/06 (20060101); B65D 5/42 (20060101); B65D 5/468 (20060101); B65B 21/06 (20060101); B65B 35/40 (20060101);